Donald A. Nelson Sr

Donald A. Nelson Sr., 74, of North Windham, died Sunday May 19, 2002 at home after a lengthy illness. Born in East Hampton, July 14, 1927, son of the late William George Nelson and Lillian Louise (Moard) Nelson, moved to Putnam in 1941. Served 1945 to 1946 in World War II, US Navy, Seaman 2C N.S.N.R., received World War II Victory medal and American Area Medal and was honorably discharged. Also served in National Guard of CT from 1946 to 1949, Private Gr E-2, Company D, 169th Infantry Regiment, 43rd Infantry Division and was honorably discharged. He moved to North Windham in 1951 when he married Lucille Wheaton in St. Paul Church, Willimantic on July 30th 1951. He had been employed by: Beldon Hemingway, American Screw Co., Pratt & Whitney (as a millwright), Eastern States Grain, Susseman Oil, L.G. Wheaton, Valley Oil and retired from Ellis Technical School in Danielson. After leaving Pratt & Whitney, Don came to know Jesus as his personal Savior. Don's faith and trust in God has been an inspiration to his many friends. It has carried him through life's trials with peace and victory. Don was a member of; Christian Life Assembly of God Church, Willimantic, American Legion Post #19 and the Sprague Rod and Gun Club. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lucille (Wheaton) Nelson, son Donald Nelson Jr., daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Arlo W. Butler of Windham, beloved grandfather of Rebekah Rose Butler and Arlo P. Butler, a brother and sister-in-law Frederick and Lucille Nelson, brother Johnny Nelson, sister Jean Johnson, sister Joan Bellanceau of Putnam, sister-in-law Dolores Nelson of Norwich. He was predeceased by brothers Robert Nelson, Francis Nelson and Ronnie Nelson. He leaves many nieces, nephews, many wonderful friends and Emma, the family dog. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the Christian Life assembly, 143 Windham Rd. Willimantic. Burial will follow in the North Windham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one of the following; Hospice of Eastern CT, 34 Ledgebrook Dr., Mansfield Center, CT 06256-0716, Christian Life Assembly of God (Building Fund), 143 Windham Rd., Willimantic, CT 06226 or the American Cancer Society, 238 west Town St. Norwich, CT 06360.